SouthernWorldwide.com – The waters near the United Arab Emirates’ primary oil hub experienced a significant disruption in maritime tracking systems, causing unease in the Persian Gulf shipping lanes. This occurred shortly before President Donald Trump announced progress in bilateral peace talks with Iran, according to a maritime intelligence firm.
Windward AI, a firm specializing in maritime intelligence, was the first to detect the blackout in Automatic Identification System (AIS) transmissions. The disruption was observed in the vicinity of Fujairah, a key UAE oil port. This suggests a potential increase in electronic warfare, jamming activities, intentional shutdowns of AIS, and significant cyber interference in the area.
Windward issued a warning on X, stating, “Fujairah goes dark: AIS transmissions collapse after Iran’s PGSA announcement.” The firm further elaborated that vessels remain in the region, but their loading activities have decreased, and a notable number have gone offline.
This development unfolded as President Trump announced that an agreement with Iran was “largely negotiated” and would potentially lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. On Sunday, Fujairah facilitated the transfer of 1.35 million barrels of crude oil aboard a single tanker bound for South Korea.
“Today, May 24, the port moved 1.35 million barrels, a single VLCC, destined for South Korea,” Windward reported. The firm also noted a tense “ceasefire posture” and the establishment of a blockade footprint in the area.
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While acknowledging that a single cargo transfer does not signify a complete return to normal operations, Windward indicated it was the first sign of resumed flow out of Fujairah since the announcement. This occurred just hours after President Trump had stated that Washington and Tehran had “largely finalized” a memorandum of understanding for a peace agreement.
President Trump also shared an AI-generated image depicting exploding IRGC fast boats in the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the heightened tensions.
In response, Iran reiterated its claim of absolute control over the strategic maritime chokepoint. Iran’s official military spokesperson, Ibrahim Al-Fiqar, stated on X that the Strait of Hormuz would remain under full Iranian administration and sovereignty, even if a future agreement were reached.
Al-Fiqar emphasized that the authority to determine transit routes, schedules, and issue maritime licenses is an exclusive sovereign right of Tehran. The tanker blackout and the subsequent crude transfer activity, alongside the movement towards a U.S.-Iran deal, gained momentum following the launch of Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) on May 20.
The PGSA, overseen by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, functions as a regulatory body. It mandates that ships submit detailed information about their vessel, cargo, insurance, and crew, in addition to making mandatory payments, to ensure “safe passage” through the strait.
According to maritime security experts, Iran’s strategy involves employing fast boats, drones, radar tracking, coastal missiles, and selective intimidation rather than constant physical interdiction. This approach aims to gradually compel Gulf states and major oil importers to accept Iranian oversight of the Strait of Hormuz as a new geopolitical reality.
While nuclear issues have been the primary focus of current negotiations, with reports of a 60-day ceasefire, the PGSA has rapidly emerged as a significant economic leverage tool. It poses a threat to global oil and shipping markets.
The Strait of Hormuz is now Iran’s primary non-nuclear leverage. The PGSA reportedly provides Tehran with a mechanism to pressure rivals, favor allies, and normalize IRGC control over one of the world’s most critical energy routes.
The system is described as functioning like a wartime extortion mechanism. Ships are required to submit cargo and crew data for approval. Reports suggest the existence of quiet “facilitation payments,” preferential treatment for friendly nations, and uncertainty for others.
Iran intentionally keeps the penalties for non-compliance vague. Vessels that fail to comply risk delays, harassment, drone surveillance, interception by the IRGC, or denial of safe passage. This level of pressure is designed to encourage compliance without resorting to an outright closure of the strait.
